President Donald Trump on Monday attended Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the NBA Finals to cheer on his hometown team — but many of his fellow fans did not appear thrilled to have him there.
As Trump was shown on the Jumbotron during the national anthem, the crowd erupted in loud booing. Trump smiled as he saluted through the song.
The jeers were followed by raucous cheers as the camera panned to Knicks star Jalen Brunson on the court.
Trump was standing in Knicks owner Jim Dolan’s box, accompanied by a slew of administration officials that included Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, White House deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin.
Some of Trump’s family members, including Special Envoy Jared Kushner and Trump’s granddaughter, Kai Trump, also joined.
Trump’s presence at Monday’s game made him the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game. But Trump is no stranger to attending high-profile sporting events.
Game 3 was Trump’s 17th sporting event that he’s attended in person since he assumed office in 2025, often joined by family, friends and members of his administration. He’s attended the Super Bowl, the Daytona 500, and the men’s tennis U.S. Open final, among others.
Trump’s attendance at Game 3 comes as his hometown team returns to New York City with a 2-0 lead over the San Antonio Spurs, while carrying a 13-game consecutive win streak.
Trump’s presence has prompted heightened security measures at Madison Square Garden, forcing ticketholders to adhere to a strict no-bag policy and TSA-style screening before entry.
The city made the decision not to hold a watch party outside of MSG, prompting backlash from some fans, as the New York City Police Department and U.S. Secret Service said “heightened security requirements associated” with Trump’s attendance would not make the watch party possible.
NBC New York reported that a secure zone was established in Midtown Manhattan near MSG, banning both pedestrians and vehicles from passing through the area.
